Mitchell Marsh is preparing to step up for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, keeping himself available to bowl in light of Cameron Green’s absence. Green, who has been struggling with back issues, has opted for surgery to address stress fractures and will miss the entire five-Test series as well as the subsequent tour of Sri Lanka. With Green sidelined, Marsh feels physically fit and ready to take on a larger bowling workload.
“I love bowling,” Mitchell Marsh said in an interview with Cricket.com.au. “I see the all-rounder role as really important, especially when our bowlers need a bit of a break. If you look back at the last few seasons, our all-rounders have bowled maybe 10 to 13 overs a game, which isn’t a lot, but those overs can be crucial. For me, it’s about preparing to bowl as much as I can, depending on what Patty (Cummins) needs from me.”
During the Test series against the West Indies earlier this year, Green batted at No. 4, so now Steve Smith will return to that position after having opened in Green’s stead. Marsh recognizes that he will need to shoulder a more significant bowling load this summer to support the team.
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“Physically, I’m feeling really good,” he added. “I’ve been well looked after.”
Since his return in last year’s Ashes series, Marsh has bowled more than 10 overs in a Test match only once and has bowled just 21 overs in 40 white-ball games, primarily focusing on his batting due to earlier fitness concerns. When asked how many overs he could realistically bowl in a Test match, Marsh preferred not to set a limit.
Marsh ready to bowl for WA, set for bigger bowling loads in Green’s absence https://t.co/MW5LqcrAvG#MitchellMarsh #SheffieldShield #WesternAustralia #CricketAustralia #BorderGavaskarSeries #TestCricket #CameronGreen #Allrounder #CricketInjury #SportsNews #CricketUpdates
— YesPunjab.com (@yespunjab) October 16, 2024
“You never really like to put numbers on it,” he explained. “Once you’re in the field of battle, you bowl as much as the captain needs you to. I’ll be prepared for that. I won’t bowl too much for WA, but it’s all part of the building process of getting ready for the first Test.”
Mitchell Marsh also expressed his disappointment over Green’s situation, wishing him a speedy recovery.
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“We’re all shattered for Cam. He loves playing cricket for Australia,” Mitchell Marsh said. “For someone like him, with his attitude towards the game, missing out on this much cricket is daunting. But he has accepted it now. Going through these challenges can lead to opportunities to come back better, and I have no doubt he will.”
